My name is Jamie Turner and when I turned 22, I started to form a horrible case of acne. I used every cleanser and lotion I could find and I even asked my physician for a topical steroid cream to clear up the zits on my face. After six months of treatment, my physician completed a blood test that concluded that a hormone imbalance was causing my acne. I started on therapy to control the amount of estrogen my body produced. The therapy along with a good diet and exercise regimen helped to clear up my acne. I am sharing my story, because acne is not just a condition that affects teenagers. It can affect adults at any age, and it can cause a great deal of embarrassment. Don't let your acne go untreated. Read my blog instead and learn about both natural and medical treatments that can help you.
About 1.9 million children travel to another country each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and they face certain health risks if they aren't adequately immunized against health dangers that are specific to the areas where they're visiting. If you're planning on taking your child on an international trip, speak with a pediatrician well in advance to be sure you have time to get your child the immunizations needed to prevent potentially life-threatening illnesses.
Yellow Fever
If you're taking your child to certain areas in Africa or South America, a yellow fever vaccine is essential. Yellow fever is a viral disease spread to humans from infected mosquitoes. The virus causes fever, chills, severe headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting and weakness. While the majority of people make a full recovery, a small number of people develop a more serious type of the illness, which can cause jaundice, bleeding and organ failure. There is no treatment for yellow fever outside of rest, plenty of fluids and time.
Malaria
Malaria is another illness spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes, and if you're planning travel to certain parts of Africa, South American or Asia, your child will need a malaria vaccine or antimalarial drugs. Malaria can cause fever, chills, body aches, nausea, vomiting and weakness. More severe cases of malaria can lead to destruction of red blood cells, low blood pressure and kidney failure. Children are particularly susceptible to brain changes and other disorders that can occur with severe cases of malaria, and vaccines can help prevent the likelihood that these will occur.
Typhoid Fever
If your family is traveling to a developing nation, it's necessary to get a typhoid fever vaccine. Americans traveling to Asia, Africa and Latin America tend to be the most at risk for the illness. The illness is spread by people carrying a certain type of bacteria called Salmonella Typhi. People who come into contact with the fecal matter of these carriers can contract the disease, which can happen with improperly handled food or contaminated water. Typhoid fever causes high fever, stomach pains, headache, weakness and, in some cases, a skin rash. People infected with typhoid fever are treated with antibiotics to rid the body of the bacteria.
Meningitis
Children who travel to sub-Saharan Africa or Mecca are at risk for bacterial meningitis. Getting your child vaccinated against all three strains of bacterial meningitis is the best way to keep them safe while traveling abroad. The illness causes a sudden fever, stiff neck, headache, nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light. Infants and babies might appear lethargic and confused. Immediate treatment with antibiotics is crucial with this illness because it can be fatal if left untreated.
For more information, contact a specialist like The Pediatric Center.
Share5 March 2015
